FEC, others pay tributes to Channels

Prayers, fasting cannot improve economy, Osinbajo tells workers
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday paid tributes to Channels Television State House Correspondent, Chukwuma Onuekwusi, who died on Tuesday.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who led the ministers and other members of FEC to honour Onuekwusi, asked that a minute silence be observed in honour of the deceased at the commencement of the weekly meeting of the council held inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Osinbajo, who presided over the session, described the late Chukwuma as a patriotic and committed journalist who would be missed by the Presidency.

The Acting President alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), signed the condolence register opened by the State House Press Corps.

He wrote: “A gentleman, an erudite journalist and a true patriot is gone. We pray that the Lord will comfort his family members.”

Mongunu, who also described the late Chukwuma as a great journalist, wrote: “Very sad news! A great journalist gone too soon. Goodbye Nwannem Nwoke, my brother.”

Also, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, have commiserated with the family members of Onuekwusi over the death of their son.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, yesterday in Owerri, Okorocha said he received the news of the sudden death ‘’with rude shock.’’

Okorocha regretted that the deceased died when his patriotism and services were mostly needed.

He, therefore, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and also to the management and members of staff of Channels Television.

Obaseki, who noted that the media industry had lost a crucial soldier, said that although he did not know the reporter personally, he was no stranger to his works.

He, therefore, exhorted other journalists in the country to remain on top of their game through hard-work, honesty and commitment to their media outfits.

In another development, Osinbajo has urged Nigerian workers to change a new leaf concerning their work etiquette and create a prosperous nation for this generation and indeed the yet unborn and stop thinking that the economy can just improve through prayers and fasting.

The Acting President made the declaration yesterday in Abuja when he interacted with middle-level civil and public servants in Abuja.

He said that the directive had become necessary because Nigerians have become too sanctimonious and doing so little or no work at all thinking that bad situations can just change by praying and fasting.